Subject: OT laws repeated in NT |
Bible Note: Dear Valoree, The doctrine you are promulgating is called Antinomianism. It is considered heretical in most orthodox Christian circles. You will generally find, however, a consensus among many Americans who define it as you have done when they state "I am no longer under the law, but only under the law of love." "Antinomian: a.) Denial of the binding nature of any external laws on personal behavior, b.) Denial that the OT moral law remains in effect for Christians." --Data Rat Theological Terms "Antinomian: Literally, against the law. Antinomians teach that the law is no longer applicable in the life of the Christian. (see 'Legalism')." --Dictionary of Theological Terms, Don Matzat "Antinomy is derived from the two Greek words anti meaning 'over against' and nomos meaning 'law.' An antinomian is one who denies that there is any objective law or standard of obedience in the New Testament age to which the believer is accountable." --Revised Common Lectionary, Anglican Church One of the pillars of the Reformation was the importance of God's grace -- not the law. However, the Reformers did not repudiate God's law. Instead, they taught -- as Scripture teaches -- three uses of the law: 1. The law is a mirror (Romans 7:7; . It reflects the holy, perfect righteousness of God. It also reflects individually to each man -- yours and mine -- weakness, unrighteousness, and inability (Psalm 119:104; Proverbs 6:23; Romans 2:18; James 1:25). It is a very severe schoolmaster! But it highlights our need so that we may seek the Savior. 2. The law restrains evil in this world (Romans 3). The law has no power to change our hearts. But it does allow for a sort of justice until the last judgment. 3. The law reveals what pleases God. In every command of Scripture, we learn something of God. The regenerate children of God delights in the law, because God Himself delights in it (cf John 14:15-21). Dr. R. C. Sproul wrote, "By studying or meditating on the law of God, we attend the school of righteousness. We learn what pleases God and what offends Him. The moral law that God reveals in Scripture is always binding upon us. Our redemption is from the curse of God's law, not from our duty to obey it. We are justified, not because of our obedience to the law, but in order that we may become obedient to God's law. To love Christ is to keep His commandments. To love God is to obey His law." You cite Hebrews. However, a sound exegesis of this book reveals that it is contrasting the superiority of Christ to the ceremonial provisions of the law... which provisions pictured their ultimate, perfect fulfillment in Christ. The moral law is not abrogated. You might do well to study the other epistles that speak directly to the law. Scripture must always be understood in the light of Scripture. In Him, Doc |